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Photo: Garmin
The best satellite messenger
Garmin inReach Mini 2No, this is not a clock, but it can be useful. Not everyone needs a satellite messenger – and having one doesn’t mean you can call Search and Rescue if you’re scared You won’t make it back before dark. However, if you’re an experienced backpacker, mountaineer, or frequent solo hiker, chances are you have an inReach Mini on your pack. I tested the inReach Mini a few years ago and look forward to an update.
This year’s inReach Mini 2 is still small and light, weighing just 3.5 ounces. It does the same things as the old one, like two-way text messaging from the web; call emergency services; and storing waypoints and maps. However, it now automatically tracks your route, so you can always turn on TracBack to find your way back to where you started. It uses now four Satellite systems, instead of just three, to find your position even faster than before. As with any satellite messenger, you need to subscribe a security planin addition to buying the device itself. If you only have one or two major trips a year, it’s something to think about a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) instead of this.
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Photo: GarminCan’t find a watch for your sport?
Other Garmins we likeIf you love outdoor hobbies, Garmin makes a wrist wearable for you. We have a shortage of fly fishermen and divers on staff, but here are a few other options.
- The Venu Sq for $200: When it first came out, we recommended the Venu Sq (8/10, WIRED Recommends) as the best entry-level Garmin. But, this year’s update has a rather high price for a fashionable sports watch. Stick with the older version if you can find it.
- The Instinct 2 Solar Surf Edition for $500: The Instinct is one of Garmin’s most popular models and is available in several sport-specific versions. The Surf Edition – there is one too tactical and a Sports Version – is compatible with the hugely popular surf forecasting company Surfline. You can see tide data and track your surfing (it has the best colors too).
- The approach S62 for $500: Garmin also has a golf-specific line that I haven’t tested.
- The Vívofit Jr. 3 for $90: They also offer a kid specific line which I couldn’t convince my now 7 year old to wear.
- HRM Pro Strap for $130: A heart rate monitor strapped to your chest will do always be more accurate than a wrist-based device that wobbles around while running, cycling, climbing, and falling. This synchronizes with the Garmin device of your choice via ANT+ and Bluetooth.
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